Business and Information Technology Education

Honors available at LNHS and SHS only
Course Description: Students in Microsoft IT Academies benefit from world-class Microsoft curriculum and cutting-edge software tools to tackle real-world challenges in the classroom environment. The first part of the class is a supplemental section. Students will lean to create edit organize, and share a virtual notebook. In the second part students will learn to use the newest version of Microsoft Word interface, commands and features to create, enhance, customize and share documents as well as create complex documents and publish them. In the third part students will learn to use the newest version of Microsoft PowerPoint interface, commands and features to create, enhance, customize and deliver presentations. Students can earn credentials by taking the Microsoft Word and PowerPoint certification tests.

Course Description:  Introduction to Python is a beginning course (not intended for experienced programmers) in which students can learn and practice coding in an online environment that requires only a modern web browser and Internet connection. No special software is required to complete this course. The course includes video content, practice labs, and coding projects. The course content is presented in three units. Each unit is a freestanding course.  Unit 1 (Course 40460) focuses on Python language basics, introducing data types, variables, input, functions, operators, conditional statements, loops, and incrementing. Students will be introduced to the basic structure of the Python 3 language and be ready to take Unit 2 as well as other beginner courses. Unit 2 (Course 40461) focuses on Python data structures such as strings, lists, and range sequences, as well as methods for working with these structures. Students will be introduced to data structures and files in Python 3 and be ready to take Unit 3 as well as other beginner courses.  Unit 3 (Course 40521) focuses on using Python to develop sustainable code. Students will be introduced to data structures and files in Python 3 and be ready for more-advanced Python learning. Students can earn credentials by taking certification tests.

Grade Level:   10-12
Prerequisite:  BP142XOPPI
Course Description:   This course will prepare students for jobs and careers connected with widely understood software development, which includes not only creating the code itself as a junior developer, but also computer systems design and software testing. Students will be guided to a level of Python programming knowledge which will allow them to design, write, debug, and run programs encoded in the Python language, and to understand the basic concepts of software development technology. In addition, students will learn IoT (Internet of Things) skills which can help transform any business in any industry, from manufacturing to saving endangered species. Students will apply basic programming (using Python) to support IoT devices. This course will prepare students for taking the PCAP: Certified Associate in Python Programming certification exam. Associate certification scaffolds to certification as a Certified Expert in Python Programming.

Grade Level:   10-12
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description: Computer Science Principles I is an introductory course intended to familiarize students with the general concepts and thinking practices of computing, computer science, and information science. Students will learn computing concepts through authentic visual and interactive projects using visual programming languages. Students will focus on the "big CS ideas" in creative ways that emphasize conceptual knowledge and thinking practices rather than on programming alone. The big ideas in CSP include computing as a creative activity, abstraction, facilitating knowledge creation through computing, algorithms, problem-solving, the Internet, and the global impact of computing. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, communication, creativity, and exploring the impacts of computing on how we think, communicate, work, and play. Art, English language arts, and mathematical concepts are reinforced.

Grade Level:   10-12
Prerequisite:  BP412X0A
Course Description: This is a second level introductory course in computer science (based on The Beauty and Joy of Computing) builds on the foundation of Computer Science Principles I. This course offers a more in depth examination of the "big CS ideas" including a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, communication, creativity, and exploring the impacts of computing on how we think, communicate, work, and play. Students will extend their programming skills to include more complex constructs including objects and data abstraction. As an option, performance tasks may be included to obtain AP credit.

Taken in the Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Recommended BP012X0A
Description:  Computer Science Principles is a rigorous, advanced placement level course intended to familiarize students with the general concepts and thinking practices of computing, computer science, and information science. Students will learn computing concepts through authentic visual and interactive projects using the BYOB/SNAP, GameMaker and AppInventor visual programming languages. Students will focus on the “big CS ideas” in creative ways that emphasize conceptual knowledge and thinking practices rather than on programming alone. The big ideas in CSP include computing as a creative activity, abstraction, facilitating knowledge creation through computing, algorithms, problem-solving, the Internet, and the global impact of computing. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, communication, creativity, and exploring the impacts of computing on how we think, communicate, work, and play. Art, English language arts, and mathematical concepts are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include entrepreneurship, mentorship, service learning, and job shadowing. Apprenticeship and cooperative education are not available for this course. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

Advanced taken in the Fall Semester
AP taken in the Spring Semester (register for both courses)
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: 0A02
Can count as 1 full math credit
Course Description: This is a year-long course that requires a 90-minute daily class amount of time. Also, students need to spend time working at home a minimum of 30 minutes daily on the readings, class discussions, assignments, and tests.  This AP Computer Science course is an introductory course in computer science. Because the development of computer programs to solve problems is a skill fundamental to the study of computer science, a large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs or parts of programs that correctly solve a given problem. The course also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable, and, when appropriate, reusable. At the same time, the development of useful computer programs and classes is used as a context for introducing other important concepts in computer science, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications. Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction. For more information on the content covered by the AP course and exam, please visit: http://www.collegeboard.org/ap/students/compsci/index.html 
This class is available to any student who has completed Math 1 and is interested in learning to program at the college level. Although it is not required, it is highly recommended to complete an introductory programming course prior to this course.  This is a college level class and will move at a considerably faster pace than the typical high school class. Students should be prepared to complete outside readings and spend many hours on the computer. You must be willing to share and help classmates throughout this class with their programming assignments. The instructor will monitor the support given to students and will intervene only when necessary.

Honors available at LNHS only
Grade Level: 10-12
Course Description: This course introduces students to topics related to business, finance, management, and marketing to cover business in the global economy, functions of business organization and management, marketing basics, and significance of business financial and risk management. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, and job shadowing.

Honors available at LNHS, SIHS and SHS only
Grade Level: 11-12
Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint students with the basic legal principles common to business and personal activities. Topics include consumer concepts to assist students when evaluating contracts, purchasing with credit, purchasing appropriate insurance, and renting and owning real estate. Business concepts such as contracting, ethics, starting a business, hiring employees, managing employees, or representing other businesses as employee or contractor are included. Skills in critical thinking are reinforced in this course along with oral and written communication skills. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are field trips and job shadowing. Simulations, projects, teamwork, and FBLA leadership activities, meetings, conferences, and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.

Grade Level:   10-12
Course Description: This course is designed to cover key strategies for wealth building as students learn to evaluate businesses for investment opportunities while incorporating current headlines and trends, financial resources, and stock market simulation. Also students will develop techniques to enhance personal wealth building for a secure financial future. Current technology will be used to acquire information and to complete activities. Throughout the course, students are presented ethical dilemmas and problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic, team-building and critical-thinking skills.

Grade Level:   10-12
Course Description: Students will further develop the fundamental knowledge and skills acquired in Wealth Building to create a business financial plan; including loans, insurance, taxes, corporate governance, and explore the various risks and returns associated with business activities. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing ethical situations in various aspects of finance in local, national and global business environments. Current technology will be used to acquire information and to complete activities. Throughout the course, students are presented ethical dilemmas and problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic, team-building and critical-thinking skills

Grade Level:   10-12
Course Description: This course is designed for students who are considering IT as a career with specialization in cybersecurity. This foundational course provides an overview of the fundamentals of networking and general concepts involved in maintaining a secure network computing environment. This course also provides students with and overview of the fundamentals of cybersecurity, the nature and scope of today's cybersecurity challenges, strategies for network defense, as well as detailed information about next-generation cybersecurity solutions. English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies are reinforced.